Asthma in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific Region (APR)

Proinflammatory Cytokines in Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Their Management

Pulmonary homeostasis can be agitated either by external environmental insults or endogenous factors produced during respiratory/pulmonary diseases. The lungs counter these insults by initiating mechanisms of inflammation as a localized, non-specific first-line defense response. Cytokines are small signaling glycoprotein molecules that control the immune response. They are formed by numerous categories of cell types and induce the movement, growth, differentiation, and death of cells. During respiratory diseases, multiple proinflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in orchestrating chronic inflammation and structural changes in the respiratory tract by recruiting inflammatory cells and maintaining the release of growth factors to maintain inflammation. The issue aggravates when the inflammatory response is exaggerated and/or cytokine production becomes dysregulated. In such instances, unresolving and chronic inflammatory reactions and cytokine production accelerate airway remodeling and maladaptive outcomes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines generate these deleterious consequences through interactions with receptors, which in turn initiate a signal in the cell, triggering a response. The cytokine profile and inflammatory cascade seen in different pulmonary diseases vary and have become fundamental targets for advancement in new therapeutic strategies for lung diseases. There are considerable therapeutic approaches that target cytokine-mediated inflammation in pulmonary diseases; however, blocking specific cytokines may not contribute to clinical benefit. Alternatively, broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory approaches are more likely to be clinically effective. Herein, this comprehensive review of the literature identifies various cytokines (e.g., interleukins, chemokines, and growth factors) involved in pulmonary inflammation and the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary, lung cancer, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis) and investigates targeted therapeutic treatment approaches.

Global, regional, and national burden of asthma from 1990 to 2021: A systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021

Background

Asthma is a prevalent non-communicable disease that affects individuals of all ages and has emerged as a significant global public health concern. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the burden of asthma worldwide, as well as at regional and national levels, utilizing the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2021 database for the years 1990 to 2021.

Methods

This study utilized the GBD 2021 database to report the prevalent cases and incident cases of asthma, alongside age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized DALY rates (ASDR), the number of deaths, and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) at global, regional, and national levels for the year 2021. Additionally, it computed the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) for these asthma burden indicators from 1990 to 2021. This study further analyzed the levels of the above indicators in different gender and age groups, and investigated the association between asthma ASDR/ASMR levels and socio-demographic index (SDI). It also provided an analysis of the contribution of four risk factors to the overall asthma burden.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, the global EAPC for asthma ASIR was -1.04 (95 % confidence interval [CI]:-1.18 to -0.89), the EAPC for ASPR was -1.59 (95 % CI:-1.74 to -1.43), the EAPC for ASDR was -1.91 (95 % CI:-1.98 to -1.84), and the EAPC for ASMR was -2.03 (95 % CI:-2.09 to -1.98). In 2021, the prevalent cases of asthma remained alarmingly high at 260.48 million (95 % UI: 227.21 million to 297.97 million). Developed countries, exemplified by the United States, exhibited elevated asthma ASPR. However, the burden of asthma-related mortality and DALYs predominantly afflicted low- and middle-income nations. In China, there has been a significant decline in ASIR, ASPR, ASDR and ASMR for asthma. In most age groups, the burden of asthma among women was markedly higher than that among men, particularly evident in prevalence and DALYs. Children and the elderly bore a heavier burden of asthma. In 2021, ASDR and ASMR levels varied across countries, generally exhibiting a negative correlation with SDI levels. A high body-mass index continued to be a primary risk factor for asthma on a global scale. Decomposition analysis reveals that population growth plays a significant role in exacerbating the burden of asthma-related deaths and DALYs.

Conclusions

From 1990 to 2021, the burden of asthma as measured by age-standardized rate (ASR) has shown a declining trend. However, the overall burden of asthma remains significantly high. Moreover, there is a notable inequality in the burden of asthma across different regions and populations worldwide. This highlights the urgent need for countries to prioritize asthma management and control strategies to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for affected individuals.

Global, regional, national burden of asthma from 1990 to 2021, with projections of incidence to 2050: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021

Background

Asthma is the second leading cause of mortality among chronic respiratory illnesses. This study provided a comprehensive analysis of the burden of asthma.

Methods

Data on asthma were extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021. We focused on the effects of age, sex, risk factors, and the socio-demographic index (SDI) on the burden of asthma and calculated the average annual percent change (AAPC) via joinpoint regression. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was adopted to estimate the causal relationships between risk factors and asthma. The Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict incidence patterns of asthma from 2022 to 2050.

Findings

In 2021, there was an observed prevalence of asthma, with 3,340 cases per 100,000 people. Males who were below 20 years old had a greater prevalence of asthma. The incidence and prevalence correlated positively with the SDI, whereas mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) correlated negatively. The contribution of high body mass index (BMI) to asthma DALYs increased by 4.3% worldwide between 1990 and 2021. MR studies have confirmed that high BMI and smoking can increase the risk of asthma. The prediction results indicated that the global age-standardised incidence rate will remain high from 2022 to 2050.

Interpretation

The global mortality of patients with asthma is a significant concern. The analysis of the burden of asthma can help formulate public health policies, allocate resources, and prevent asthma.

Funding

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China; Program for Young Talents of Basic Research in Universities of Heilongjiang Province; Marshal Initiative Funding; Mathematical Tianyuan Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China; XingLian Outstanding Talent Support Program 2024.

All-Cause and Cause-Specific Burden of Asthma in a Transitioning City in China: Population Study

Background

Understanding the impact of asthma on public health is crucial for evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the causes of asthma-related mortality in Pudong, Shanghai, China, offering insights for managing similar regions or countries in transition.

Methods

Mortality statistics were obtained from the Vital Statistics System of Pudong for 2005-2021. Temporal patterns for the burden of asthma were examined. The crude mortality rate (CMR), age-standardized mortality rate by Segi's world standard population (ASMRW), and years of life lost (YLL) for both all-cause and asthma-specific deaths were computed. Mortality rates associating with aging and other variables were categorized using the decomposition technique. The autoregressive integrated moving average model was used to forecast the asthma-related death mortality rate by 2035.

Results

A total of 1568 asthma-related deaths occurred during the follow-up period, with the CMR and ASMRW being 3.25/105 and 1.22/105 person-years, respectively. The primary underlying causes of death were chronic lower respiratory diseases, coronary heart diseases, and cerebrovascular disease. The YLL due to total asthma-related deaths added up to 14,837.76 years, with a YLL rate of 30.73/105 person-years. Male individuals had more YLL (8941.81 vs 5895.95 y) and a higher YLL rate (37.12/105 vs 24.38/105 person-years) than female individuals. From 2005 to 2021, the ASMRW declined by 3.48%, and both the CMR and YLL rate decreased in the 0-29, 70-79, and ≥80 years age groups (all P<.01). However, asthma-related deaths increased from 329 people between 2005 and 2008 to 472 people between 2017 and 2021. The proportion of the population aged 80 years and older gradually increased by 1.43% (95% CI 0.20%-2.68%; P=.03), and the mortality rates of asthma deaths attributable to population aging rose by 21.97% (95% CI, 11.58%-33.32%; P<.001) annually.

Conclusions

Asthma remains a significant public health challenge in transitioning countries, requiring increased attention and resource allocation.

APPaRENT 3: Asthma Patients' and Physicians' Perspectives on the Burden and Management of Asthma in Seven Countries

INTRODUCTION

Asthma management is strongly dependent on physician and patient beliefs and perceptions about the disease and its long-term treatment. The APPaRENT 3 study was conducted to explore factors influencing treatment choice and to understand patients' and physicians' attitudes and perspectives on the use of controller inhalers in regular versus flexible dosing for asthma management.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey of patients with asthma and treating physicians was conducted in seven countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam (patient survey only), Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Assessment was carried out through an online/face-to-face questionnaire, where patients' viewpoints were focused on their attitudes and beliefs about asthma and treatment adherence, whereas physicians' viewpoints were gathered on their attitudes and beliefs about asthma management, knowledge of and adherence to asthma treatment guidelines, and asthma treatment regimens.

RESULTS

Overall, 1400 patients (mean age, 34 years) and 599 physicians (mean age, 43 years) were included in the survey. Physicians similarly prioritised symptom control (39%) and exacerbation reduction (40%) in moderate asthma, whereas patients prioritised symptom control (41%) over exacerbation reduction (22%). Although both groups (physicians, 86%; patients, 84%) perceived asthma as well-controlled, poor management was evident based on Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores (mean, 15.7; standard deviation, 4.14; 82% had an ACT score < 20) and high symptom burden (39% reported nighttime awakenings or early mornings ≥ 2 nights/week). Most patients (76%) with moderate asthma were prescribed regular dosing, with the most common treatment being inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) with as-needed inhaled short-acting β2-agonist (SABA; 20%). Among patients on maintenance and reliever therapy, 93% of patients received a separate inhaled reliever.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high symptom burden, patients overestimated their level of asthma control. Physicians prioritised controlling symptoms and reducing exacerbations as treatment goals for moderate asthma, often prescribing regular dosing with ICS/LABA with as-needed inhaled SABA.

Contemporary Concise Review 2023: Asthma

Asthma research and management needs to meet the priorities of the end user-patients, carers and clinicians. A better understanding of the natural history of asthma and the progression of disease has highlighted the importance of early identification of patients with asthma and the potential role of early intervention. Management of mild asthma requires a consistent approach with the same detail and consideration used when managing severe disease. Evidence around treatable traits approaches continues to evolve, supporting the role of a personalized medicine in asthma. Oral corticosteroid (OCS) stewardship continues to be an urgent issue in asthma management. Strategies to taper OCS doses and the implementation of biologic therapies for their steroid sparing benefits will be important steps to address this problem. The concept of remission in asthma provides an ambitious target and treatment outcome.

Dietary Polyphenols, Plant Metabolites, and Allergic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Given the ongoing rise in the occurrence of allergic disorders, alterations in dietary patterns have been proposed as a possible factor contributing to the emergence and progression of these conditions. Currently, there is a significant focus on the development of dietary therapies that utilize natural compounds possessing anti-allergy properties. Dietary polyphenols and plant metabolites have been intensively researched due to their well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory characteristics, making them one of the most prominent natural bioactive chemicals. This study seeks to discuss the in-depth mechanisms by which these molecules may exert anti-allergic effects, namely through their capacity to diminish the allergenicity of proteins, modulate immune responses, and modify the composition of the gut microbiota. However, further investigation is required to fully understand these effects. This paper examines the existing evidence from experimental and clinical studies that supports the idea that different polyphenols, such as catechins, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and others, can reduce allergic inflammation, relieve symptoms of food allergy, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, and prevent the progression of the allergic immune response. In summary, dietary polyphenols and plant metabolites possess significant anti-allergic properties and can be utilized for developing both preventative and therapeutic strategies for targeting allergic conditions. The paper also discusses the constraints in investigating and broad usage of polyphenols, as well as potential avenues for future research.

Dietary Polyphenols-Natural Bioactive Compounds with Potential for Preventing and Treating Some Allergic Conditions

In light of the constantly increasing prevalence of allergic diseases, changes in dietary patterns have been suggested as a plausible environmental explanation for the development and progression of these diseases. Nowadays, much attention has been paid to the development of dietary interventions using natural substances with anti-allergy activities. In this respect, dietary polyphenols have been studied extensively as one of the most prominent natural bioactive compounds with well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This review aims to discuss the mechanisms underlying the potential anti-allergic actions of polyphenols related to their ability to reduce protein allergenicity, regulate immune response, and gut microbiome modification; however, these issues need to be elucidated in detail. This paper reviews the current evidence from experimental and clinical studies confirming that various polyphenols such as quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, catechins, and many others could attenuate allergic inflammation, alleviate the symptoms of food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, and prevent the development of allergic immune response. Conclusively, dietary polyphenols are endowed with great anti-allergic potential and therefore could be used either for preventive approaches or therapeutic interventions in relation to allergic diseases. Limitations in studying and widespread use of polyphenols as well as future research directions are also discussed.